Indian author Banu Mushtaq and translator Deepa Bhasthi achieved a landmark victory by winning the International Booker Prize for fiction with Heart Lamp, a collection of 12 short stories chronicling women’s everyday experiences in southern India.
The announcement was made at London’s Tate Modern by Max Porter, bestselling author and chair of the five-member judging panel. This marks the first time a short story collection has received the prestigious prize, showcasing the growing recognition of diverse literary forms.
Historic Wins Highlight Feminist Themes and Southern India’s Rich Multilingual Literary Tradition
Deepa Bhasthi’s recognition is historic—she is the first Indian translator and the ninth female translator to win since the prize adopted its current format in 2016. Banu Mushtaq becomes the sixth female author to win the award under the same timeline. The win underscores both women’s exceptional contributions, with Bhasthi’s translation being praised for its radical nature and fidelity to the linguistic complexity of southern India.
Heart Lamp was originally written in Kannada, a language spoken by around 65 million people, mainly in southern India. Max Porter described the collection as “radical,” emphasizing its rich multilingual layers and vibrant portrayal of women’s lives. The stories explore deeply personal and political themes such as reproductive rights, caste, faith, and power, reflecting the nuanced socio-political fabric of the region.
Three Decades of Stories Honoring Women’s Voices, Culture, and Linguistic Diversity in India
The stories in Heart Lamp were penned over more than three decades, from 1990 to 2023. Translator Deepa Bhasthi carefully curated and selected them, ensuring that the translation maintained the original’s cultural authenticity while also embracing the multilingual identity of southern India. Her thoughtful approach allowed the stories’ powerful messages to resonate across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Banu Mushtaq, also a lawyer and activist, explained during a shortlist event that her stories highlight how societal structures—including religion and politics—oppress women by enforcing obedience and reducing them to subordinates. With the £50,000 prize shared equally between author and translator, the award not only recognizes literary excellence but also amplifies the voices of women resisting systemic injustices. The International Booker Prize, awarded annually, continues to serve as a global platform for exceptional translated literature.
